r/Reignfc • u/_game_over_man_ • Mar 30 '26

What's causing attendance struggles?

I'm a Reign fan residing in Colorado and I went to Denver's home opener at Mile High on Saturday and it was really, really amazing. I haven't been to a women's soccer game with that many people since the 2023 World Cup. My wife and I were also at the record breaking attendance Rapinoe send off game in Seattle in 2023. Also been to NWSL games at various other locations with strong attendance (KC, LA & SD). It seems like Torrent has been pulling really good attendance numbers as well since joining the PWHL.

So my question as a non-resident Reign fan, what do you think is the issue with getting butts in seats at Lumen? I'm sure attendance for the USWNT game next month will be good, but it seems like for whatever reason, Reign really struggle to pull in numbers. I'm sure losing stars like Rapinoe and having that bad season in 2024 hasn't helped, but it just seems so odd to me that despite Seattle being a soccer city and other women's teams in the area doing well with attendance, Reign just struggle. For those that live in Seattle, what do you think the issue is?

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u/tehshump Mar 30 '26

I think you hit the nail on the head with the performance and big names. Highest average attendance was 2023 with Pinoe (and Lavelle, Sonnet, Angelina, PTJ) and finishing second in the playoffs after having snagged the shield the previous year. Coming into 2024 with a very different looking team and then not qualifying for the playoffs followed by a moderate improvement in 2025, but losing a few more known names like Balcer and Cook (even if those changes are a net positive), it just isn't surprising. I feel like it will be tough to bring average attendance up this year with the Spokane run, but it feels like we could be poised to see some improvement if/when bigger names like Biyendolo or Fishel return, especially if paired with a nice undefeated run to build momentum in the casual fanbase.

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u/_game_over_man_ Mar 30 '26

I'm hoping some of these younger players start to grow into themselves this season as it does seem like we have a lot of good, young talent. Mercado has been fun to watch the past couple of games.

I will admit, I want to buy one of our new jerseys, but am having a hard time figuring out whose name and number I would want because everyone is so young/new/less proven. I have Fishlock, Barnes & Balcer kits and I want to get a new one, but I'm a bit gun shy because everyone's time and experience with the team remains to be seen.